Transfer news: A number of English clubs are chasing Egyptian striker Mohamed El-Gabbas

Sky Sports understands Egyptian ace Mohamed El-Gabbas is a target for a number of Premier League and Championship clubs.

El-Gabbas, who has been deployed as a winger this season but can also play as a second striker, is a highly-rated player who has shone in the Belgium Jupiler League in recent seasons.

The Egyptian is out of contract this summer and the news has alerted his suitors to his possible availability on a free transfer.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a stint at Newcastle United's academy under Glenn Roeder, before joining Al-Masry in Egypt after failing to win a work permit to stay in England and he is thought to be keen to win a move back to the UK.

However, El-Gabbas now holds an EU passport and should he move to England a work permit would not be an issue for the player and El-Gabbas' English representative, Alex Cowdy, of Touchline Soccer Ltd admits a number of clubs are monitoring his situation.

"Mohamed has an EU passport and is available on a free transfer at the end of the season," Cowdy told Sky Sports.

"Given the fact he is an international level player, combined with his performances at domestic level in recent seasons, he is a very attractive proposition."

Lierse are very keen to tie down one of their most prized assets to a new contract amid interest in the player from a number of European leagues, however El-Gabbas has gone on record to say that he would be open to a return to England.